Port enterprise officials accused of seeking bribes

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): A number of traders in northeastern Kunduz province have accused Sher Khan Port enterprise officials of extortion, asking the government to curb the illegal practice.

The traders warned many companies would stop functioning in the province’s border town if the problem was not addressed with a sense of urgency.

Sher Khan Port, located on the border with Tajikistan, is a major commercial hub where goods are imported from and exported to Central Asian and other countries.

Sher Mohammad Saighani, a trader, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “The port enterprise has put a container on the road and illegally take money from businesspeople. We would be obliged to stop our businesses here if the government pays no attention to our plight.”

Amir Mohammad, another trader, said: “The enterprise doesn't have proper warehouses and it cannot provide satisfactory services. We have to keep our goods in private warehouses, but enterprise officials still fleece us. We will hve to close our companies if this situation persists.”

Sher Agha, who imports cement from Tajikistan, also alleged that the enterprise personnel demanded illegal gratification.

But Abdur Raouf Naseri, manager of the administrative board of the enterprise, rejected the claims and said the money received from traders was government tax.

“Our office does not receive money illegally; all our collections are according to the port's law and go to the government exchequer,” he said.

Sher Khan Port enterprise belongs to the Ministry of Commerce, but traders use private warehouse due to bad conditions of government-run facilities.

mds/mud